What are the responsibilities and job description for the Programming Assistant Director position at Advantage Day Camp- Roosevelt Island?
Programming Assistant Director – Advantage Day Camp
Location: Roosevelt Island, NYC
Schedule: Full-time on-site June 22–Sept 4, 2026 (8:30 AM–4:30 PM), part-time remote/in-person May–June. There is some flexibility with the on-site dates (to be discussed)
Compensation: $1,100/week (June 22-Sept 4th)
About Advantage Day Camp
Advantage Day Camp blends sports, STEM, art, swimming, and specialty programs to create a supportive, fun and high-energy summer experience. Our goal is to help campers build confidence, friendships, and skills in an inspiring and inclusive environment.
Role Overview
The Programming Assistant Director supports the Camp Director and leads the development and daily execution of high-quality camp programming. This includes designing weekly schedules, implementing curriculum based on campers’ ages and our camp facilities, coordinating special events, supporting counselors/specialists, and ensuring all activities align with our mission and DOH safety standards. You’ll serve as a key on-site leader, helping the camp day run smoothly and guiding staff in creating fun and meaningful experiences for campers.
Key Responsibilities, Leadership & Culture
- Represent and model camp values during camper meetings, transitions, and activities.
- Help shape a positive camp culture through well-designed, inclusive programming.
- Maintain a prepared, consistent, and supportive presence for staff and campers.
- Promote ambitious, positive, committed, inclusive, and empathetic behavior among staff.
Programming & Scheduling
- With the Camp Director, create an Advantage Day Camp curriculum across sports, STEAM, art, and other age-appropriate activities.
- Build weekly schedules for ages 4-12 (grouped by different ages), ensuring age-appropriate balance of activities.
- Turn weekly themes into engaging daily experiences.
- Plan special events (showcases, Olympics, tournaments, talent shows).
- Coordinate equipment, spaces, pacing, transitions, and staffing needs.
Staff Coaching & Specialist Support
- Hold meetings with Counselors to align on lessons, scheduling updates, and last-minute adjustments.
- Lead or assist with major events and activities.
- Provide real-time coaching on lesson planning, engagement, timing, and behavior strategies.
- Observe activities to offer feedback and hands-on support.Help adapt lessons for different ages, abilities, and indoor/outdoor spaces.
Camper Experience
- Bring energy to meetings, assemblies, and theme days.
- Support camp traditions, team-building activities, and community rituals.
- Reinforce Advantage Day Camp values through everyday interactions.
- Encourage participation, teamwork, and skill-building.
- Use proactive youth development strategies to support camper behavior and emotional needs.
- Build positive relationships with campers to better understand their interests and challenges.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure equipment and activity spaces are safe and ready for use.
- Uphold DOH regulations and all camp safety procedures, including supervision ratios and emergency protocols.
- Help lead staff training.
- Respond effectively to behavioral, medical, or environmental incidents.
- Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for staff and campers.
Seasonal Schedule & Expectations
Pre-Summer (May–June)
- 5–8 hours/week, mix of remote and in-person work at the camp office on Roosevelt Island.
- Tasks include schedule creation, curriculum prep, specialist planning, attending leadership meetings, camp supplies lists.
- Participate in camp fairs and orientations.
- Attend required trainings (virtual in-person), including:
- New Hire Orientation and Training days (June)
- Programming Assistant Director meetings with Camp Director
- Mandatory online trainings (Anti-Harassment, Mandated Reporter)
- CPR/First Aid/AED
- On-site training days before camp begins
Summer (June 22–Sept 4, 2026)
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (with occasional additional meetings/events).
- Serve as on-site program lead each day.
- Adjust schedules based on weather, group needs, and flow.
- Coach staff throughout the day.
- Lead or co-lead special events and theme activations.
- Maintain communication through email and other platforms.
Why Work With Advantage Day Camp
Advantage Day Camp fosters a collaborative, high-energy, inclusive workplace where staff feel valued and encouraged to grow.
Qualifications
- Physical exam and TB test within one year; ability to pass national and NYS background checks; CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
- 2–3 years of camp/youth-program leadership, including supervision of 5–10 staff.
- Experience developing or implementing youth programs, themes, special events, and curriculum.
- Strong background in activity planning across sports, arts, STEM, and creative play.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Sports/Art Education, or related fields (Master’s preferred but not required).
- Teaching/youth development experience in public or private settings (2 years).
- Strong communication skills; ability to engage with campers, families, and staff professionally.
- Willingness to work part-time remotely in the spring and full-time for camp season in the summer.
- Ability to lead staff training and participate in all pre-summer sessions.
Strong relationship-building, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: $1,100.00 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $1,100